Sunderland news: Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka wants Premier League return with Black Cats
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is believed to have agreed personal terms with Sunderland on a three-year deal, his agent Jose Noguera told Sky News Germany.
The Swiss international, who has amassed 137 caps for his country since January 2011, looks set to leave Bayer Leverkusen after winning three trophies with the club.
The Black Cats are keen to make several statement signings following their return to the Premier League, and the addition of Xhaka would certainly be a step in the right direction.
Letting the Italians down
Several Italian sides have been disappointed by the 32-year-old’s reported Premier League homecoming.
It was believed that Inter Milan and AC Milan were both interested in acquiring Xhaka this summer, as it was made clear he wanted out of Germany.
AC have since confirmed the signing of Real Madrid legend Luka Modric, whereas Inter would only make a move depending on the future of Hakan Calhanoglu.
The end of an era at Leverkusen
Granit Xhaka in action for Bayer Leverkusen.
It is believed that the midfielder views Bayer Leverkusen to be coming to the end of an era as manager Xabi Alonso, and now-Liverpool duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, have all left the club this summer.
Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is leading the Germans into a new age, having signed Malik Tillman and Jarrel Quansah to his squad.
After going unbeaten to win the Bundesliga title the season prior, Leverkusen finished second last term, 13 points behind eventual winners Bayern Munich.
This perhaps represents yet another turn of the tide back in favour of the 34-time league victors.
Sunderland’s Premier League survival plans
The Black Cats now find themselves in a difficult spot.
Having only secured promotion with a dramatic victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final, Sunderland are favourites for the drop next season.
Several teams that have managed to stay up have relied on signing players with Premier League experience.
So far, the Mackem side have added a plethora of such players to their squad ahead of the opening day on August 15.
Regis Le Bris’ biggest signing of the summer has been Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Simon Adingra, who moves to the Stadium of Light in the hope of more consistent minutes.
Sunderland have also acquired European experience in Reinildo Mandava, who made over 100 appearances for Atletico Madrid, as well as Club Brugge youngster Chemsdine Talbi for around £17million.
Should Sunderland be able to finalise the deal for Xhaka, it would be a big step towards survival for the club strongly tipped as relegation favourites.
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